Advance file photoPastor Michael Ihedioha aka Michael Nwadiuko from the Christ the Lord Evangelistic Association in New Springville preaches on Manhattan-bound ferryboat Spirit of America in 2008. He will serve three years' probation for an Oct. 23 incident on the Andrew J. Barberi boat. Under the pact, Ihedioha, 47, pastor of Christ the Lord Evangelistic Association, agreed to ride the ferry only for transportation and to abide by all posted rules, said William J. Smith, spokesman for District Attorney Daniel Donovan.

"Seeking to ban him from preaching on the boats could constitute a violation of his First Amendment rights, but we are asking that the defendant use the ferry terminal only for traveling and not engage in behavior seen as harassing other patrons," said Smith.

The spokesman said the defendant could be re-sentenced if he violates those conditions.

Ihedioha, who sources said is also known as Michael Nwadiuko, is one of several preachers who rove the ferries spouting Scripture and moral messages -- often loudly -- to some riders' dismay. His wife, Angela Nwadiuko, 45, is also a pastor in the evangelistic association, based out of the couple's home.

View an Advance video of Pastor Michael Ihedioha

Last month, Ms. Nwadiuko was sentenced to one day of community service for her role in the dispute with cops.

Ihedioha's Bloomfield-based lawyer, Ronald A. Gregg, said his client didn't relinquish any rights but agreed not to break any rules aboard the boat.

"This was an unfortunate incident, and both parties agreed it would be better to resolve it than go to trial," said Gregg.

According to court records, Ihedioha, 47, a Nigerian native, was preaching around 12:45 a.m. with his arms outstretched, blocking an aisle.

A police officer aboard the Staten Island-bound boat approached and told Ihedioha three times to keep moving. The preacher remained put.

As the officer tried to arrest him, Ihedioha planted his feet, flailed his arms and yelled, "You're breaking my arm," said prosecutors. That resulted in a crowd of as many as 15 people gathering around him.

After the preacher was taken to a "secure location," he allegedly bit the officer's forearm, bruising it.

While Ihedioha was in the "secure location," Ms. Nwadiuko repeatedly tried to get into the area, prosecutors said. She refused to heed orders to leave.

Ihedioha was charged with felony second-degree assault, as well as obstructing government administration, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.